2nd missed feeding; what is the best thing to do?

[shootingstar26]

Hey forum,

Today is ozzy's second missed feeding. When I say "missed feeding" I mean s/he wasn't even interested in the rat. Last week, I tried feeding it a small rat, it was momentarily interested at the beginning of the feeding process, but then quickly lost interest. Today, it didn't even care. I know ball pythons will often stop feeding, so I'm not totally concerned (yes I am) but I want to know at this point; is there anything I should do, or look out for?

Two weeks ago; it ate a medium rat, and the week before that it didn't eat at all - that time I tried feeding a small rat. It's temperatures and humidity are all in normal ranges.

[iCandiBallPythons]

How big/old is the animal?

[shootingstar26]

I have had the animal for a year (since it was a baby at the store), it's about 680 grams.

[iCandiBallPythons]

Two weeks I wouldnt really be concerned about, just keep offering weekly. I've had an adult male off food for over 6 months and hes barely lost anything on the scale. I'm not sure how big your med rats but the ones I get are pretty hefty in size, you know your animal better than I do, but I'd prob stick to smalls for atleast a few meals.

[jason79]

I have noticed sub adults from the 600 - 1200g range seem to go off feed for a bit so I would not worry at all. I have had one go off feed for 6 months then go right back to pounding food every 7 days with no changes in the environment or anything else they just seem to decide not to eat for awhile sometimes. Keep an eye on its weight as long as its not loosing a lot of weight it will be fine just keep offering food on the same schedule or you could even start offering every 2 weeks or so until it eats again. You do not want to offer food to often it will not do any good it will eat again when its ready.

[rj1204]

My 700g males are on weaned rats (40-50g) every 7 days. I would think a medium rat is pretty big, especially if it is around 100g or more. I feed my 1000g-3500g females 1 small, 60-70g rat every 7 days. I would rather have them eat consistently every week and not have to worry about them skipping meals.

[Aes_Sidhe]

My 700g males are on weaned rats (40-50g) every 7 days. I would think a medium rat is pretty big, especially if it is around 100g or more. I feed my 1000g-3500g females 1 small, 60-70g rat every 7 days. I would rather have them eat consistently every week and not have to worry about them skipping meals.

Yep i have same problem now.. he was on small rat 7-10 days (male950g) but month ago i switch to medium 90-100g every 2 weeks... first was taken right away.. 2 weeks ago it took some time but took it.. last Friday he was interested smell is but no take it at all.. so i give him a week (till friday) and goin with small rat again.. we see.....

[shootingstar26]

thanks for the input everyone. =] Aes_Sidhe it looks like I'm having the same trouble as you, haha.

[BuddhaLuv]

I have noticed sub adults from the 600 - 1200g range seem to go off feed for a bit so I would not worry at all. I have had one go off feed for 6 months then go right back to pounding food every 7 days with no changes in the environment or anything else they just seem to decide not to eat for awhile sometimes. Keep an eye on its weight as long as its not loosing a lot of weight it will be fine just keep offering food on the same schedule or you could even start offering every 2 weeks or so until it eats again. You do not want to offer food to often it will not do any good it will eat again when its ready.

Jason, what a sigh of relief to read your post this evening!!! Mine is an adult male and about 1200g. Last year he went off feed around this time for 4 months and he is back at it again Even though I know this seems to be routine for him sometimes I still freak a little and need to hear someone say just what you said LOL. So thank you for clearing my insanity issue this evening and for reminding me to feed on his normal schedule and not attempt every couple of days like I have been. I have owned him for 2 years but ummm clearly needed to pull my head out of butt to regain some sanity LOL.

[stevepoppers]

More reassurance: My het pied goes off feed for the first six months of every year. He's about 900g, and has gained weight every year of his life.